2020 Hyundai Sonata flat tire

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8-35
WARNING
Recommended pressures must be
maintained for the best ride, vehicle
handling, and minimum tire wear.
Over-inflation or under-inflation can
reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle
handling, and lead to sudden tire failure
that could result in loss of vehicle
control resulting in an accident.
Severe under-inflation can lead to
severe heat build-up, causing blowouts,
tread separation and other tire failures
that can result in the loss of vehicle
control resulting in an accident. This
risk is much higher on hot days and
when driving for long periods at high
speeds.
CAUTION
• Under-inflation results in excessive
wear, poor handling and reduced
fuel economy. Wheel deformation
is also possible. Keep your tire
pressures at the proper levels. If a
tire frequently needs refilling, have it
checked by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.
• Over-inflation produces a harsh ride,
excessive wear at the center of the
tire tread, and a greater possibility of
damage from road hazards.
Check Tire Inflation Pressure
Check your tires, including the spare tire,
once a month or more.
How to check
Use a good quality tire pressure gauge
to check tire pressure. You can not tell
if your tires are properly inflated simply
by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated when they are under-
inflated.
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve
stem. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the
valve to get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended pressure
on the tire label located on the driver’s
side center pillar or in this manual. No
further adjustment is necessary. If the
pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended pressure. Make sure
to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. Without the valve cap, dirt or
moisture could get into the valve core
and cause air leakage. If a valve cap is
missing, install a new one as soon as
possible.
If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the
center of the tire valve. Recheck the tire
pressure with the tire gauge. Be sure
to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. Without the valve cap, dirt or
moisture could get into the valve core
and cause air leakage. If a valve cap is
missing, install a new one as soon as
possible.
A cold tire means the vehicle has been
sitting for 3 hours and driven for less
than 1 mile (1.6 km) in that 3 hour period.
Allow the tire to cool before measuring
the inflation pressure. Always be sure
the tire is cold before inflating to the
recommended pressure.

Maintenance8-38
Compact spare tire replacement
A compact spare tire has a shorter
tread life than a regular size tire.
Replace it when you can see the tread
wear indicator bars on the tire. The
replacement compact spare tire should
be the same size and design tire as the
one provided with your new vehicle
and should be mounted on the same
compact spare tire wheel. The compact
spare tire is not designed to be mounted
on a regular size wheel, and the compact
spare tire wheel is not designed for
mounting a regular size tire.
WARNING
The original tire should be repaired or
replaced as soon as possible to avoid
failure of the spare and loss of vehicle
control resulting in an accident. The
compact spare tire is for emergency
use only. Do not operate your vehicle
over 50 mph (80 km/h) when using the
compact spare tire.
Wheel Replacement
When replacing the metal wheels for any
reason, make sure the new wheels are
equivalent to the original factory units in
diameter, rim width and offset.
Tire Traction
Tire traction can be reduced if you drive
on worn tires, tires that are improperly
inflated or on slippery road surfaces.
Tires should be replaced when the tread
depth is at least 2/32 inch (1.6 mm). To
reduce the possibility of losing control,
slow down whenever there is rain, snow
or ice on the road.
Tire Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease tire
wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly,
have your dealer check the wheel
alignment.
When you have new tires installed,
make sure they are balanced. This will
increase vehicle ride comfort and tire
life. Additionally, a tire should always
be rebalanced if it is removed from the
wheel.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety
standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a
recall.

Maintenance8-40
3. Checking tire life (TIN : Tire Identification Number)
Any tires that are over six years old,
based on the manufacturing date,
(including the spare tire) should be
replaced by new tires. You can find the
manufacturing date on the tire sidewall
(possibly on the inside of the wheel),
displaying the DOT Code. The DOT Code
is a series of numbers on a tire consisting
of numbers and English letters. The
manufacturing date is designated by the
last four digits (characters) of the DOT
code.
DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO
The front part of the DOT shows a plant
code number, tire size and tread pattern
and the last four numbers indicate week
and year manufactured.
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1419 represents that the
tire was produced in the 14th week of
2019.
4. Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the
letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
5. Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure. Refer to
the Tire and Loading Information label
for recommended inflation pressure.
6. Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can be
carried by the tire. When replacing the
tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that
has the same load rating as the factory
installed tire.
7. Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width.
For example:
TREAD WEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A

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8-41
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
r
ating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
These grades are molded on the
sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires. The
tires available as standard or optional
equipment on your vehicle may vary with
respect to grade.
Traction AA, A, B & C
The traction grades, from highest to
lo
west, are AA, A, B and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B & C
The temperature grades are A (the
highes
t), B and C representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. Grade C responds to a level
of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, over-inflation,
or excessive loading, either separately
or in combination, can cause heat build-
up and possible sudden tire failure.
This may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.

Maintenance8-42
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
This means the combined weight of
optional accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are automatic
transmission, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to its
width.
Belt
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires
wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire
onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built
up heat from driving.
Curb Weight
This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant, but without passengers
and cargo.
DOT Markings
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department
of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the
Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand and date of
production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front
Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear
axle.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure.
Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufacturer as
primarily intended for use on lightweight
trucks or multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load ratings
The maximum load that a tire is rated to
carry for a given inflation pressure.
Load Index
An assigned number ranging from 1 to
279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.

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Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber,
chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on an
automotive wheel provides the traction
and contains the gas or fluid that
sustains the load.
Pneumatic options weight
The combined weight of installed regular
production options weighing over 5 lb.
(2.3 kg) in excess of the standard items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty breaks, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery,
and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard.
Radial Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim
A metal support for a tire and upon
which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
Speed Rating
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed at which
a tire can operate.
Traction
The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip
provided.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
The maximum air pressure to which a
cold tire may be inflated. The maximum
air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that
tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
The sum of curb weight; accessory
weight; vehicle capacity weight; and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
The number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by 150
pounds (68 kg).
Occupant Distribution
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
An asymmetrical tire has a particular
side that faces outward when mounted
on a vehicle. The outward facing
sidewall bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or deeper
than the same moldings on the inner
facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire
A tire used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Ply
A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Maintenance8-44
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear
bars”, that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1/16 inch of tread remains.
UTQGS
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
is a tire information system that
provides consumers with ratings for
a tire’s traction, temperature and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire
manufacturers using government testing
procedures. The ratings are molded into
the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
The number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg)
plus the rated cargo and luggage load.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire due to curb
and accessory weight plus maximum
occupant and cargo weight.
Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the curb weight, accessory
weight, and normal occupant weight and
dividing by 2.
Vehicle Placard
A label permanently attached to a vehicle
showing the original equipment tire size
and recommended inflation pressure.
All Season Tires
HYUNDAI specifies all season tires
on some models to provide good
performance for use all year round,
including snowy and icy road conditions.
All season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M+S (Mud and Snow) on
the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better
snow traction than all season tires and
may be more appropriate in some areas.
Summer Tires
HYUNDAI specifies summer tires on
some models to provide superior
performance on dry roads. Summer tire
performance is substantially reduced in
snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M+S (Mud and
Snow) on the tire side wall. If you plan
to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, HYUNDAI recommends the
use of snow tires or all season tires on all
four wheels.
Snow Tires
If you equip your car with snow tires, they
should be the same size and have the
same load capacity as the original tires.
Snow tires should be installed on all four
wheels; otherwise, poor handling may
result. Snow tires should carry 4 psi (28
kPa) more air pressure than the pressure
recommended for the standard tires
on the tire label on the driver’s side of
the center pillar, or up to the maximum
pressure shown on the tire sidewall,
whichever is less. Do not drive faster than
75 mph (120 km/h) when your vehicle is
equipped with snow tires.

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Radial-Ply Tires
Radial-ply tires provide improved tread
life, road hazard resistance and smoother
high speed ride. The radial-ply tires used
on this vehicle are of belted construction,
and are selected to complement the
ride and handling characteristics of your
vehicle.
Radial-ply tires have the same load
carrying capacity, as bias-ply or bias
belted tires of the same size, and use the
same recommended inflation pressure.
Mixing of radial-ply tires with bias-ply or
bias belted tires is not recommended.
Any combinations of radial-ply and bias-
ply or bias belted tires when used on the
same vehicle will seriously deteriorate
vehicle handling. The best rule to follow
is: Identical pairs of radial-ply tires
should always be used as a set for the
front tires and a set for the rear tires.
Longer wearing tires can be more
susceptible to irregular tread wear. It is
very important to follow the tire rotation
interval in this chapter to achieve the
tread life potential of these tires. Cuts
and punctures in radial-ply tires are
repairable only in the tread area, because
of sidewall flexing. Consult your tire
dealer for radial-ply tire repairs.
WARNING
Do not mix bias ply and radial ply tires
under any circumstances. This may
cause unusual handling characteristics
that may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.
Low Aspect Ratio Tires
The aspect ratio is lower than 50 on low
aspect ratio tires.
Because low aspect ratio tires are
optimized for handling and braking, their
sidewall is a little stiffer than a standard
tire. Also low aspect ratio tires tend to be
wider and consequently have a greater
contact patch with the road surface. In
some instances they may generate more
road noise compared with standard tires.
CAUTION
Because the sidewall of a low aspect
ratio tire is shorter than a standard tire,
the rim of the wheel and the tire itself
is more easily susceptible to damage.
Use caution when driving and follow
the guidelines below to help minimize
damage to the wheel and tire:
• When driving on a rough road or off
road, drive cautiously because tires
and wheels may be damaged. And
after driving, inspect tires and wheels.
• When passing over a pothole, speed
bump, manhole, or curb stone, drive
slowly so that the tires and wheels
are not damaged.
• If the tire is subjected to a severe
impact, have the tire and wheel
inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.
• Inspect the tire condition and
pressure every 1,800 miles
(3,000km).
CAUTION
• It is not easy to recognize tire
damage with your own eyes. But
if there is the slightest hint of tire
damage, have the tire checked or
replaced because the tire damage
may cause air leakage from the tire.
• If the tire is damaged by driving
on a rough road, off road, pothole,
manhole, or curb stone, it will not be
covered by the warranty.